Bill urges addition of science fiction to state reading curricula

canterbury_rayWest Virginia’s Ray Canterbury is sf’s legislator of the moment. The member of the West Virginia House of Delegates has proposed nine bills this legislative session, including one, HB 2983, which calls on the State Board of Education to integrate science fiction literature into middle and high school reading curricula. Canterbury, the assistant minority whip, has seven co-sponsors on the bill, which was introduced on March 19, and referred to the Committee on Education then Finance. (The House of Delegates has 100 members.)

The full text of the bill is available here:

ARTICLE 2. STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION.

ยง18-2-7d. Science fiction reading material to be included in curriculum to stimulate interest in math and science.

The Legislature finds that promoting interest in and appreciation for the study of math and science among students is critical to preparing students to compete in the workforce and to assure the economic well being of the state and the nation. To stimulate interest in math and science among students in the public schools of this state, the State Board of Education shall prescribe minimum standards by which samples of grade-appropriate science fiction literature are integrated into the curriculum of existing reading, literature or other required courses for middle school and high school students.

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